PGA TOUR Star Believes LIV Golf is Keeping Its Players in the Dark Over Merger Talks

A PGA TOUR star believes that LIV Golf is keeping its players in the dark over merger talks, and speculates whether that is the reason for the stagnation in the TOUR’s potential deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The TOUR’s Webb Simpson said to Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig that he believes the big difference between the TOUR and LIV Golf is the communication between the two sides and their players.

Simpson said that the TOUR has been transparent about the progress being made in merger talks, but he thinks LIV Golfers are not as informed, which could be one reason things are not moving along quicker:

“It seems like there is a little bit of a breakdown in communication (on the other side). On our side, when questions are asked of us, we get answers right away. We’ve been diligent. I don’t know if the same is true on their side. That part has been kind of frustrating.”

It is somewhat of an interesting quote because it seems like there was a bit of contention between TOUR players early on in merger talks about what was going on. Ultimately, it still feels like nobody truly has any idea what is happening with the merger, especially since no true details or progress have been made.

🚨🗣️⛳️#NEW: Webb Simpson voices frustration with PlF negotiations: “It seems like there is a little bit of a breakdown in communication (on the other side)”. On our side, when questions are asked of us, we get answers right away. We’ve been diligent. I don’t now if the same is… pic.twitter.com/YENEJl6Onc

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 24, 2025

Frustration on both sides is evident. It seems that players, fans, and everyone else involved wants to get things done, but there are a few details that are important to the respective sides that are not being budged on. For example, there were concerns about money early on, and what would happen to the massive signing bonuses LIV Players were given for leaving the PGA TOUR.

Now, the integration of the two tours, which could potentially be the biggest holdup, is truly the biggest issue at hand. Neither side is willing to give up its format, it seems, which is causing quite a bit of delay in the reunification of golf.

LIV operates as a team format, while the PGA TOUR is still individualized. Simpson said to Harig that he believes the team concept is “hard to get your mind around,” and that is “feedback from golf fans,” not his own personal opinion.

For now, Simpson seems to understand the main reason for the unification and all the intricacies of it:

“The way I understand it is we are not buying an asset that is going to increase player’s equity. What we’re hopefully going to do is bring in another investor that will lead to reunification which will lead to sponsors being more excited about paying for a premium product. The (TV) rights deal coming up in 2030. All those things get healthier. That’s how we grow the business.”

The two tours will be together in just two weeks for The Masters, but it is unclear if the merger terms will be worked out before then.

Cover Image via Reuters